EHR Life Cycle and Hit

¶ … Health Information Technology Systems Life Cycle or HIT systems life cycle has several broad categories. One such broad category is EHR or electronic health records. EHRs are patient-centered, real-time records. They allow users to get information instantly wherever and whenever it is needed. Simply put, EHRs are computerized, digital versions of a patient's paper charts.

EHRs contain the medications, radiology images, test and lab results, immunization dates, medical history of a patient and offers access as well to evidence-based tools a provider may use to make decisions concerning a patient's care. Not only does it offer streamlining and automation of the providers' workflow, it also increases accuracy and organization of patient information. Security and maintenance is the end phase of any basic system development life cycle. The entire process is used to recognize, examine, and design information systems (Vallette & Caldwell, 2013).

In order to aid in accomplishing such an aim the process involves choosing as well as maintaining the best system that typically involve six principle phases. 1. Initiation phase 2. Analysis phase 3. Design phase 4. Implementation phase 5. Maturity/Operations phase 6. Evaluation phase All six phases make up the information system life cycle. The initiation phase involves setting goals that include setting a schedule, a budget, and statement of the problem and identification of system integration requirements.

This is an integral aspect of understanding what is involved with replacing any existing information systems (EHRs) and choosing new ones. The second phase, analysis phase, is a time when the health information manager has to identify how an automated system will meet user requirements and support performance of user tasks. Comprehension and awareness of the environment where user tasks will be performed poses as the main and most integral part of the analysis phase. Activities in this phase revolve around review of current practices, processes, and play.

The third phase, the design phase is based on the findings/requirements identified in the previous phase. This phase has activities that relate to specifying details of an upgrade/addition to an existing system or a new system. In this phase, a systems blueprint is formed along with using structure design tools like CASE programs. The fourth phase involves making the designed system operational through activities such as system testing, site preparation, management of system impact and organization change along with user training/retraining.

The fifth phase, the operations/maturity phase consists of identifying possible future risks to the system like power outages, construction mishaps, and service attacks. The sixth and last phase, the evaluation phase involves assessment against predevelopment needs requirements and criteria. The last phase could be considered a needs assessment or readiness assessment. The four main areas of an EHR readiness assessments are organizational culture, management and leadership, operational readiness, and technical readiness (Ajami, Ketabi, Isfahani & Heidari, 2011).

In the organizational culture area, the overall perception of EHR, patient involvement, physician, and staff are evaluated. The management and leadership area details four readiness components including strategic plan, financial, executive team, and care management/quality improvement. This section necessitates planning before moving forward and potential process development. Operational readiness includes care management, EHR procedures, protocols, and policies along with workflow design (Wright, 2014). This section allows for identification of potential barriers to adopting EHR.

The last step in needs assessment is technical readiness which is an evaluation of the organization's IT management capabilities as well as the organization's technical environment. Readiness indication in this area will recognize potential sections for increase IT planning and procurement. Since EHRs require the use of computers and collection of results, these may be affected or processes slowed down during assessment. The EHR implementation team or steering committee can lead to the success or failure of an implementation process.

They must have differing viewpoints on use of the HER as well as a wide array of knowledge and skills. They must have a continuously positive perspective towards the process and finally, a willingness and ability to devote adequate time to the process. Team members of the steering committee should include: EHR Team Lead Physician Champion Nurse Lead EHR Implementation Manager Medical Assistant Lead Registration Lead Staff EHR Builder Workflow Redesign Lead Information Technology Lead Super-User/Training Lead The Leads are important because they manage their section accordingly.

Especially the Nurse, Physician, and Medical Assistant Lead/Champion members. They are crucial for EHR implementation on a bigger scale with higher levels of communication and smooth transition. Those that are in charge of the information technology aspect will help with assessment of EHR implementation. The Training lead is crucial for proper implementation as users must know how to use the new or updated system.

Things to consider when selecting a product to help with EHR implementation are cost to connect to the HIE, market presence within the region and/or vendor's stability, security and privacy capabilities. Other things to also think of are serve options, the ability to successfully integrate with other products like billing systems and practice management software. There also needs to be an understanding if a vendor's product can achieve key objectives and to clarify any start-up pricing. There are three ways to train during EHR record implementation.

The first is Super User Training that takes advantage of vendor training in order to form.